You are in the home stretch! The third trimester!
Continue reading to learn more about what to expect during your third trimester.
The third trimester starts from week 28 to the end of the pregnancy. During this trimester, the infant progresses from about 12 inches long and 1.5 pounds to about 18–20 inches long and 7–8 pounds. That's a whole lot of growth!
What's in Store for You This Trimester?
Here are a few things to look forward to, as well as some stuff to bear in mind as you go into the third trimester:
The act of nesting.
When your due date approaches, you will have a deep desire to prepare your home for your newborn. Concentrate your efforts on completing the infant's nursery, cleaning his or her sheets, installing the baby car seat, and doing some effective baby proofing. Some expectant mothers' “nesting instinct” may pull them to clean, reorganize, make minor home renovations, or prepare large batches of meals to freeze.
Monitoring fetal movement.
A growing child will begin working on breathing movements to help prepare for life after birth. Kicks and rolls become stronger, and you should feel the baby move consistently.
Seek your healthcare provider's instructions for how to count your baby's kicks if he or she wants you to monitor your baby's motions.
Keep an eye out for signs of labor!
While labor may occur at any time, it is more likely to occur between 38 and 42 weeks. Have an eye out for signs of labor, such as:
lightning (the sensation that the baby has fallen lower),
the loss of the mucus plug
the water breaking
the contractions become stronger and closer together.
True!
Shortness of Breath is more commonly felt in your third trimester.
Your developing baby presses your uterus against your diaphragm in the third trimester of pregnancy. The diaphragm is raised approximately 4 centimeters above its pre-pregnancy position. All of this implies that you feel more short of breath! Don’t worry your baby is still getting enough oxygen!
Proper posture can help so your lungs have all the room to expand. Yoga breathing exercises are great for that!
Braxton-Hicks contractions are the occasional random tightening of the uterus. They are entirely unexpected and usually not painful. They are also known as prodromal or "fake "labor pains. They are thought to begin around six weeks of pregnancy but usually are not felt till the second or third trimester of gestation.
Yes, it is normal. When your infant is nearing the end of the third trimester and ready for delivery, his or her head "sets" into the pelvis and presses firmly on the bladder — which implies you'll get the gotta-go feeling more than ever.
But keep drinking water! Don’t let the need to pee stop your hydration!
Some women may also begin leaking when you cough or laugh or sneeze in the third trimester. If you do, start some kegels!
Swollen Feet and Ankles
Since the uterus grows with the growing fetus, the feet and ankles will swell, putting more burden on the veins of the lower body. Usually when you have them lifted up , the swelling should improve or try some properly sized compression socks for comfort!
Heartburn
Hormones of pregnancy lead to relaxation of the muscles between your stomach and esophagus. This allows stomach acids to reflux and causes symptoms of heartburn!
You may know it well!
Eat small, frequent meals and avoid eating right before bed. Stay away from citrus fruits, spicy or fried foods and chocolate or eat in small quantities!
Backaches.
Your hormones are relaxing your ligaments especially in the pelvic area and as your baby gets bigger in the third trimester, this can be hard on your back.
Use chairs or proper to help with back support, shoes with good arch support. If your pain is persistent see a physical therapist for strengthening exercises.
Varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Your body has increased blood circulation during pregnancy and you may start seeing varicose veins and Hemorrhoids (varicose veins in your rectal area).
They may itch and may be painful.
Drink lots of water, eat a high fiber diet and elevate your legs to help decrease swelling of these veins. Using a witch hazel pad or soaking in a warm tub can help with discomfort of hemorrhoids.
Changes in emotions and mood.
As you get closer to delivery you may start thinking more about fears of childbirth, what to expect after delivery. You may feel anxious about parenthood or if you have everything ready.
Stay calm and breath. Journal your feelings and thoughts. Meditate. Talk to a peer group.
If you have risk factors for postpartum depression/anxiety build support for postpartum.
Talk to your healthcare provider or therapist if you think you may have depression or anxiety.
So many changes, both for you and your baby during this last trimester of pregnancy!
Knowing what to expect can help by not feeling surprised and recognizing that these feelings are normally experienced by most women! Also you can be proactive to help both your physical and mental wellness during this homestretch of your pregnancy!
As always, reach out to MaternalWell text support for any general questions or book a private telehealth consultation with one of our maternal specialists in nutrition, mental health and physical therapy.
